Hoyt Wilhelm
| Birthdate | 7/26/1922 |
| Death Date | 8/23/2002 |
| Debut Year | 1952 |
| Year of Induction | 1985 |
| Teams | Angels, Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Orioles, White Sox |
| Position | Pitcher |
Though he made his MLB debut at age 29, Hoyt Wilhelm was the 1st pitcher to save 200 games & the 1st to appear in 1,000 games.
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Hoyt Wilhelm began his pro career at age 19; his MLB debut came a decade later
Hoyt Wilhelm began his pro career at age 19; his MLB debut came a decade later
Hoyt Wilhelm graduated from high school in 1941 and immediately started his professional career. Seen as a non-prospect, he was sent to Class D Moorseville for the ’42 season.
The next three years Wilhelm spent working for Uncle Sam in World War II. When he returned, Wilhelm stayed in the minors for another six seasons.
Finally in spring training of ’52 he impressed Giants manager Leo Durocher enough to earn a roster spot. He did not disappoint.
In his first big league at bat, Wilhelm hit a home run – the only one of his 21-year MLB career.
On the mound the knuckleballer established a rookie record by appearing in 71 games. He finished with a 15-3 record, 11 saves and a league-leading 2.43 ERA.
Wilhelm pitched in 21 big league seasons. Along the way he won 124 game in relief, a still-standing record. The right-hander was the majors’ first pitcher to record 200 saves and the first to throw in 1,000 games.
By the time he retired in 1972, Wilhelm was 16 days shy of his 50th birthday. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1985.
In the collection is this information card from the Heilbroner Baseball Bureau. The front side is filled out entirely in Wilhelm’s hand, including the top where he was written his name.
Interestingly Wilhelm lists his birthday as July 26, 1923 though he was actually born a year earlier.
Though Wilhelm’s signature is by no means rare, handwritten items from the 1940s before his MLB debut remain highly desirable.
The back of the Heilbroner Baseball Bureau card shows his minor league odyssey
The back of the Heilbroner Baseball Bureau card shows his minor league odyssey
Shown here is the reverse of Hoyt Wilhelm’s Heilbroner Baseball Bureau information card. On the front it is dated 1942; here there is a postmark from 1947.
Baseball Reference states that Wilhelm pitched 7 minor league seasons from 1942-1951. Interestingly, this card also lists Wilhelm pitching for Class D Mooresville 1940 and ’41.
Items from the 1940s relating to Wilhelm’s baseball career are seldom seen.
Hoyt Wilhelm made his third All Star team in four years in 1962
Hoyt Wilhelm made his third All Star team in four years in 1962
Hoyt Wilhelm penned this letter the day after Christmas in 1961. The pitcher writes to early player agent Frank Scott, the master of endorsements and paid appearances.
Wilhelm asks about tax advice from Scott. The 1962 season was around the corner and the pitcher would succeed.
Though his won-loss record for the year was 7-10, his ERA was a stellar 1.94. Wilhelm made the All Star team for the third time in four years.
After retiring as a player Wilhelm spent nearly a quarter century coaching
After retiring as a player Wilhelm spent nearly a quarter century coaching
Hoyt Wilhelm’s playing career ended in 1972 when the Dodgers released him five days before his 50th birthday. He was without baseball for the first time since his teens.
His absence from the game did not last long. The next season he managed in the Atlanta Braves minor league system. In ’74 he took the reigns of Kingsport of the Western Carolinas League.
Wilhelm then spent 22 years coaching in the minors, most of them as a roving instructor for the Yankees.
In the collection is this contract between the Yankees and Hoyt Wilhelm. It calls for the former pitcher to earn $16,000 per year as a “Minor League Instructor”.
The contract stipulates that, “The Employee shall faithfully serve the club and pledges himself to the American public to conform to the high standards of personal conduct, of fair and good sportsmanship.”
Hoyt Wilhelm spent 50 years in pro baseball - 28 as a player & 22 as a coach
Hoyt Wilhelm spent 50 years in pro baseball - 28 as a player & 22 as a coach
Hoyt Wilhelm spend a half-century in baseball. He played for 5 minor league teams and 9 teams in the majors.
A rookie at age 29, he retired as a player just short of his 50th birthday. Though he never played for the Yankees, he spent nearly two decades with the organization as a coach.
Shown here is the signature page of his 1980/81 coaching contract with New York. The Hall of Fame pitcher signed the bottom of the contract with his more formal and legal, “James Hoyt Wilhelm”.
Hoyt Wilhelm was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 28, 1985
Hoyt Wilhelm was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 28, 1985
Baseball’s ultimate honor is induction into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. After a 21-year big league career that included a then-record 1,070 appearances, pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm earned the distinction.
Success after 8 years on the ballot, Wilhelm joined first-ballot selection and member of the 3,000-hit club, Lou Brock.
The Veterans Committee elected 10-time All Star Enos Slaughter along with Pirates shortstop and 9-time All Star Arky Vaughan.
The quartet was inducted on hot Sunday afternoon on July 28, 1985. Shown here is an invitation to the festivities. The signature of knuckleballer Wilhelm appears at the bottom.
Best knuckle ball, in my opinion. RIP SIR!